CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has today had to swallow his pride and begin negotiations with the construction industry, after a numbers buildings experienced substantial structural damage following an earthquake in Melbourne this morning.
A ‘watch and act’ emergency warning has been issued for Victoria as residents are told to brace for more aftershocks after an earthquake struck the state this morning.
The 5.8 magnitude quake hit near Mansfield, 180kms north-east of Melbourne, about 9.15am today – with tremors being felt as far north as Dubbo and has far south as Tasmania.
The earthquake was initially recorded at a 6.0 magnitude but later revised down. Another 4.0 aftershock was recorded 18 minutes after the first tremor.
With photos circulating on social media of damaged buildings in very important inner city suburbs, Dan Andrews is now really regretting his heavy-handed decision to ban all construction work for two weeks.
After a big week of banning tearooms, throwing around jab mandates, and accusing tradies of being entitled little bogans who don’t deserve the dignity of being labeled essential workers – the Victorian government has now had to come crawling back.
Melbourne’s tradies are also now very aware of the bargaining chip they hold in this scenario, as they realise that leaving a distressed Dan Andrews on read is far more powerful than any riot on the West Gate Bridge.
Like a bloke trying mend his relationship with a jilted lover, Andrews is now testing the waters to see if his government’s ability to negotiate with the construction industry is salvageable.
“Boys. How we been?” he texts.
“Haha”
Andrews keeps firing off extremely cringeworthy text messages, as the Melbourne tradies put their phones on silent and get back to watching AFL highlights.
“I know i said no more construction for two weeks but obvs this is different” he finishes with.
“you there????”
